Didn’t I just give birth? Liv just turned 9 months. Holy moly…What?! I know everyone says it, but time really is flying by. And now… here she is, eating real food. Avocados, Bananas, Black beans, Peas, Plums and Sweet potatoes to be exact. She is doing so good and loving this whole food thing.

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She is just so sweet and has been such a easy baby since day one and gives me baby fever all over again! Ugh!!! If only I could guarantee full nights of sleep I think I’d be all in! Anyone else have babies that NEVER sleep all night till one years old? Or is it just us?? Anyways, I’ll count it all as a blessing and just drink more coffee until then.

On Thursday, April 27 at 12:38 pm Liv Monet Van Auken was born. Here are a few of my favorite images from the first 10 days with her. Our lives will never be the same and we are so blessed that she is ours. Welcome to the world little peach.

This week my sweet Lyla went off to school. She started pre school in Bend last September, but it was very short lived since we moved in October. So, on Tuesday she started T-K at a very sweet small school from 8-2. Its been two days and she is loving it. I, of course am missing her like crazy and the our home is very quiet. And Lucca definitely misses her sis but loves being with me all day long…and I’m not sure she will ever want to leave me (which I’m totally okay with for now). I knew Lyla would love school and I feel excited for her as she makes tiny steps into this big world. She’s brave, and confident, She’s outgoing, & loves people and has been fine away from home for those 6 hours. I always wondered how parents let go as their children grow, but I realized today that its not fully letting go, but actually giving trust to the decisions you make and trusting others to love and protect your children. It has been a good week but definitely looking forward to the weekend!
xo

My two previous pregnancies were not hard, but this one, lets just say it is has been a DREAM! I was at home today and I almost forgot for a second that I was pregnant! Not that I ever really forget, but other than my belly growing and her sweet kicks and movements, I almost don’t feel any different than my normal-non-pregnant self. I am praying that it lasts and the my next 16 weeks are just as easy! I can’t believe tomorrow already marks 24 weeks!

I’ve been loving living in my Lularoe leggings. Its been so great to be able to wear Lularoe throughout my entire pregnancy. It’s cozy and soft and has the perfect amount of stretch as I grow. I’ve been spending most of my time at home working, playing catch up after moving and the holidays and really enjoying this mild winter that California has to offer. And thankfully Brent is willing to take my picture whenever asked. We’ve been chatting about him joining me as my Lularoe business partner, but until then, I’m thankful he plays a huge roll in helping with the girls, makes me dinner most nights and is my personal photographer. Its days like today, I realize more than ever that I’m beyond blessed.

I posted on my instagram tonight, a quote from Walt Disney…” All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”.

I married a dreamer. A man full of life, ambition, creativity, ideas, and wisdom. But his dreams… I think they are worth chasing.

He always asks me what my dreams are, and well, other than being a mom, I don’t feel like I have big crazy dreams. I dream about living closer to my sisters, my parents and all my nieces and nephews, and of course traveling to tropical places every year, But I am really living my dream with working from home while hanging with my kids.

Wow, 2017, I am so ready for you! 2016 was not a bad year for us and actually was full of amazing things, but once again we faced transition and lots of life learning lessons. We spent most of 2016 (Jan-Oct) living in beautiful Bend, Oregon. We loved it, well, we loved almost everything. The people, the food, the gorgeous outdoors, the fresh air and had a fun year meeting a lot of new people. We also worked really hard on both of our new careers, Spoken Moto and Lularoe. Brent worked many hours pouring his heart and soul into “Spoken” and learned a whole lot from that experience. And I spent most of my days working online selling Lularoe clothing and hanging at home with Lyla and Lucca. (Here is where you can find my Lularoe shop online, if you are interested in learning more about what I do 😉 )
Here is a quick recap of our last year…

Last Christmas my Grandma Pearl went to be with Jesus. She lived a long beautiful life and my life has been richly blessed because of her. I loved spending Christmas and a few weeks in January being with my family down in Southern California. Lyla, Lucca and I flew back to Bend just in time for Brent’s birthday! Brent turned 30 in January and of course we had a house full of new friends and celebrated his birthday with a party!

In April, the last of the snow fell and was gone was gone by May ( …and I couldn’t wait for Summer!) It was fun to experience the snow for one winter, but I knew that one winter was good enough for me!! Lucca turned 3 and we celebrated at home with cake and presents and I turned 35 and spent the weekend exploring Portland with Brent.

In August, we (finally) found out we were expecting after trying for one year and 9 months. – And let me tell you, I am over the moon excited and can’t wait to meet our 3rd baby girl in April. I definitely learned patience month after month of trying and I really feel so blessed to get to experience carrying another baby. I love everything about being pregnant!

Finding out we were expecting stirred my heart once again and I longed to be closer to my family in southern Ca. Bend was just too far. And with other things that helped us make the decision to move, we headed back to California in October. We spent most of October with my parents in LA. And moved back to Redding Nov. 1st.

Lyla turned 5 in October and did one month of preschool in Bend. She loved it and can’t wait to start school next week!! The girls get along so well and I’m so blessed to watch their friendship grow. I truly love having them with me most of my days. Thankfully they have been such troopers as Brent and I dream and take risks and move from one place to another

Brent and I are grateful for our experience and adventure in moving to Bend, and in so many ways we miss that beautiful town and the friendships that we made, BUT we are excited and hopeful for our next season. We are not sure what is next, or what opportunities lie in front of us but we know that God has a plan and trusting him for guidance.

My prayer and hope for 2017 is that we feel at home and settle into the next place God has us. Always remembering to choose joy and love. Cheers to new adventures! xo